New Milk

When we last visited my son's pedia, she noticed that my son is thin and doesn't gain much weight. My son is 1 year and 7 months old but his weight is stuck in 10 kg. My son present milk formula is Bonakid. His pedia suggested to try Pediasure although its price is higher than other milk. Its because this milk is specifically for kids who have difficulty gaining weight and loss of appetite. It's been two days since my son shifted to this milk and so far I observe that he is drinking and eating more. He has good appetite now. Well, I have to wait until I can see more result.  I wish my son will continue to be healthy and I hope he will build up more muscles cause I don't mind carrying a heavier baby. :)

Summer Getaway 2012: Potipot Island, Zambales

Our first plan for our summer this year is an Ilocos Sur tour (again!) but as usual it didn't push through. We wanted to visit a place that's not too far but still not over commercialized. My brother and his girlfriend were the ones who told us if we want to go here. I checked the net and a lot of raves are written about the place. I even read that it is dubbed as the "little Boracay of the North." And just the picture of an isolated island with white sand and a lot of greens makes me agree almost immediately and no doubt in my mind that this is our beach to be this year!

We stayed first in a beach resort in Brgy, Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. There are many resort there and depending on your budget, you can chose whichever you like. We chose Sunbloom Resort and because we arrived there past 2 pm, we decided to just rest and go to Potipot tomorrow morning. The next morning, we took a boat to get us there and it is more or less 5 minutes boat ride.

The boat ride costs us P500. The usual price is P400 pesos per 6 people but since we're a company of 7 plus a kid,  the boatman charges us additional P100. There's also P100 entrance fee per head at the island. The tables are free to use but the nipa houses all over the island are rented for the price of P500.

Potipot's sand is not that white up close but is fine and just right for a barefoot walk. The water is calm and crystal clear. Perfect for my little son who is itching to take a dip. We enjoyed our time swimming, snorkeling, and making sand castle. After we've finished the first leg of our swimming stretch, we decided to tour the island to discover what else it has besides the pristine waters. I read from a blog it takes them 15 minutes to circle the whole island. But it took us more than 15 minutes because we took so many photos that by the time we're halfway rounding the island, we are all so tired and decided to just went back to our table and rest.

My Potipot Island experience is definitely memorable. If only we can stay longer. Potipot Island - checked! I wonder where our feet will lead us next summer. Tons of beautiful places yet to discover in our country. I can't wait until my next jump! Happy Summer!

Easter Egg Hunt

Ever wonder why on Easter Sunday it is tradition to have an egg hunt? Why do children need to hunt them and why did it have to be on Easter? And why a bunny or rabbit is associated with it too? Well, I do wonder so here's a little story behind those cute, oval and colorful eggs and that cheerful bunny.

First of all, history says that  Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs are linked to pagan traditions. Meaning it is not originally a custom that Christians practice. The Easter Bunny was created as a rabbit because the pagan symbol of fertility was the rabbit, and spring time was associated with fertility. They served as symbols of the new life during the spring season. Eggs were chosen for the same reason, because they were associated with fertility and Spring, and Easter takes place in the Spring. It is also believed that the Easter eggs symbolizes Jesus' resurrection.

But whether you agree or not if it's proper to connect bunnies to Jesus' rising from being dead, Easter Egg Hunt is a beloved tradition of kids all over the world.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Our annual Bisita Iglesia yesterday leads us in Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Jose Del Monte.

At the back of the church, we did the Station of the Cross. It is in a hill and a very spacious field. I feel more close to the nature because there are trees everywhere. It's a good exercise and a good penitence. For me it is more realistic because it's like how Jesus was crucified - in a hill called Calvary. It made me reflect more on how good and loving God is. Despite our sins, God loves us so much. I pray I'll be worthy to be called His daughter. 

Hope you had a meaningful Holy Week!

Our Lady of Manaoag

Last Saturday, we went to Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag (or simply Our Lady of Manaoag) in Pangasinan. Such a long travel from Bulacan. About 6-7 hours drive. Less than 200 kilometers trip. But we endure it all because we wanted to see the place and to experience what it is like to be there. Our Lady of Manaoag is one of the most visited churches in the Philippines. The history, which dated back in 17th century, explained that a native man on his way home heard the Virgin Mary calling him from the top of the tamarind tree instructing him to initiate the construction of the church. A chapel was then built on the spot where Mary appeared to the man and the present day town quickly grew around it.

Our Lady of Manaoag is said to be the patroness of the sick, protectress of the helpless, benefactress of the needy. Thousand of devotees flock and visits the church to say their petitions or prayers or wishes. And they say that The Lady of Manaoag is indeed miraculous. But miraculous or not, I am happy we went there and if only distance is not a problem, I would love to come back again as often as I could.

the front of the church

inside the church

the altar

The Lady of Manaoag holds a Rosary in her right hand and the Child Jesus in her left.

We took the chance to bless our 3rd hand van there too. 

...and say our wish and petitions by lighting a candle

this is the candle I lighted and my wish?

is for this little man to be safe, healthy, and happy ALL the time! :)